Turtles, Temples and Flamingos: A Yucatan Adventure

One of the most serenely beautiful coastal areas of Mexico and a great place to switch off and enjoy the tranquil, tropical surroundings. There is a wide spectrum of activities to choose from: scuba diving on Isla Cozumel, trips to cenotes, fishing, sailing, watersports, golf, and visiting the wonderful Mayan sites of Tulum and Cobá.

The recent discovery of Río Secreto, previously known as Pool Tunich, has brought much excitement to Quintana Roo. This system of caves, formed over centuries by an underground river is by far the longest partially flooded cave in the Yucatan Peninsula, but what makes Río Secreto even more special is the fact that it is semi-sunken. Most caves found in the Yucatan are underwater, and if you want to explore them, you must receive specialized training in cave diving. That requires lots of practice and study, as well as a hefty investment in diver certification and dive gear. Río Secreto has over twelve kilometers of semi-sunken cave mapped out with fifteen natural outlets located in different areas.

This unique cave network has an underwater river with crystal clear water, dramatic stalactites and stalagmites. This system of caves, formed over centuries by an underground river is by far the longest partially flooded cave in the Yucatan Peninsula, but what makes Río Secreto even more special is the fact that it is semi-sunken, making it accessible. Río Secreto has over twelve kilometers of semi-sunken cave mapped out with fifteen natural outlets located in different areas.

Today you will explore the fine white and wide beaches of Akumal. The calm and turquoise waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling with sea turtles seen during the day. This gem of the caribbean has three beautiful bays: half Moon Bay, Greater Akumal Bay, and Aventuras Akumal Bay. All of them are great for snorkeling, kayaking and swimming. Then continue with a visit to the archaeological site of Tulum. This walled Maya city was occupied during the Postclassic period, late in the history of the Mayas, and is famous for its unique architectural style and beautiful setting overlooking the turquoise Caribbean sea. Admire the sculpture on the buildings as you wander through this lovely site.

You will be collected from your hotel and transferred out to Akumal Bay to observe and snorkel with the colourful sea life. This is an exciting activity for experienced snorkelers or confident swimmers.

Your private guide will meet you at your hotel in Tulum and you will be privately transferred to see the impressive archaeological site of Tulum. This pre-Columbian Mayan walled city is positioned on the edge of a cliff in Quintana Roo, overlooking the Caribbean ocean. This site was an important trade and religious centre, with highlights including the Temple Of The Frescoes which still features murals and sculptures.

Spend the next few days in the "Yellow City", or the "City of Three Cultures", Izamal. This picturesque, ancient city is a living Mayan town with an intriguing blend of Maya, Spanish and modern cultures. Visit Maya artisans’ homes and workshops with one of our expert local guides, take a traditional horse carriage ride down the 'calles', wander through the impressive atrium and interiors of the Monastery and tour the mezcal distillery.

Today you will visit the impressive sights of Chichen Itza and Cenote Xocempich while travelling from Merida to Tulum.

The first stop shall take place approximately two hours into the journey at the ancient and internationally renowned archaeological site Castillo. This striking pyramid, built by the Maya, is one of the Seven New Wonders of the World. During the morning you will also visit other main constructions plus the Sacred Cenote where many sacrificial offerings have been discovered.

A twenty minute drive from Chichen Itza is Xocempich where a private cenote is based on the ruins of an age-old ranch.The afternoon will be spent here with the cenote all to yourself. You will have the chance to relax, swim and snorkel in the clear turquoise waters. Lunch will be served below the grand old trees in a fête champêtre style.

Your driver will then transfer you to your hotel in Tulum which will take approximately two hours.

Xocempich, a private cenote, stands on the ruins of a historic ranch. This unique area offers for a refreshing treat open only to select travellers. Swim or snorkel in the cenote’s crystalline waters and relax for hours in total privacy.

After your refreshing swim at this historic area, you'll enjoy a traditionally prepared lunch in the grounds of the Xocempich cenote.

You will be picked up in the morning from your hotel for a private tour of the historic centre of Merida, which includes the main plaza (zocalo), markets, museum of Canton Palace, the Cathedral, the Monumento a la Patria (Monument to the Fatherland) and Paseo Montejo, based on French boulevards. In the afternoon, your guide will advise you on the best spots to buy locally made souvenirs and artisan products in the city.

Enjoy time in Merida, seen as the capital of Yucatan Peninsula, where a lot of its economic and cultural activities take place, not to mention being the most sophisticated base from which to explore all the awe-inspiring Mayan ruins along the Puuc route.

Today you will explore the fascinating Celestún, a nature preserve on the Yucatán’s gulf coast. A boat excursion takes you deep inside the estuary and bordering mangrove forests where you will find American flamingos and dozens of other bird species. You will get the chance to swim in a natural spring and visit the town of Celestún, an authentic fishing village, practically frozen in time. Then enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at a local beachside restaurant. Best of all you’ll have plenty of time for relaxing on the beach.

The Puuc Route (or Ruta Puuc), is the name given to a collection of Mayan ruin sites about halfway between the cities of Merida and Campeche in the Yucatan Peninsula. Your private guide and vehicle will collect you from your hotel and take you to a selection of sites along this route, providing private tours at each complete with historical background and cultural insights.

Today your private guide will meet you at your hotel and drive you to some of the region’s best ancient Mayan sites and archaeological ruins of Uxmal. They will fill you in on all the history behind each site, helping to bring alive the legends, myths and theories, whilst you enjoy their spectacular jungle setting and marvel at the wonders of Mexico’s sophisticated pre-Colombian civilisation. Private transfer back to Merida at the end of the day.

Your private guide will take you to the archaeological ruins of Kabah, just to the south of the Uxmal complex. They will fill you in on all the history behind each site, helping to bring alive the legends, myths and theories, whilst you enjoy their spectacular jungle setting and marvel at the wonders of Mexico’s sophisticated pre-Colombian civilisation.

Kabah is famous for its ornate Temple to Chaac, the Rain God of the Maya, whose facade is covered with repetitious masks of Chaac. The site also has a number of other palaces, low stone buildings, and step-pyramid temples.

Xocnaceh produced cattle and henequen, the “green gold” that brought tremendous wealth to the Yucatán in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. At Xocnaceh you’ll meet the hacienda caretaker, who describes the medicinal properties of the plants that surround his house. After a refreshing dip in the old irrigation tank, lunch is served in the ruined hacienda church. You will be returned to your hotel or hacienda at the end of the day's tour.

Enjoy the beautiful Caribbean sun and sand and take in Cancun's night-life and dining opportunities during your time here. Cancun is the perfect place to rest up and rejuvinate after your Mexican adventure